Common Places Where Premises Liability Accidents Occur
Houston is a sprawling metropolis buzzing with activity daily. While there is always a supply of things to do or places to explore, there is also no shortage of property owners and landlords engaging in careless or negligent behavior that could endanger the safety of patrons.
Some of the most common places where premises liability accidents can occur due to the careless actions of another include the following:
- Shops and businesses
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Malls
- Theme parks
- Sports arenas
- Apartments
- Hotels
- Private homes
- Swimming pools
- Sidewalks and driveways
- Parking lots
- Office buildings
- Dog parks
- Clubs
Property owners must maintain their property in a way that makes it safe for guests and patrons and provide notice of any hazards that exist on the property. Failing to act in the public’s best interest in a way that leads to an accident may open the property owner to liability for an individual’s injuries.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue in a Premises Liability Case?
You may be entitled to recover valuable compensation for your financial losses if you’ve been injured on someone else’s property due to their careless or negligent actions. The value of this compensation varies depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your premises liability injuries.
Each premises liability case is unique, but in general, most individuals involved in these kinds of accidents can pursue money for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Before you accept a settlement from an insurance company or business owner, discuss the details of your situation with a skilled Houston premises liability law firm. An attorney can review the specifics of your case and give a fair estimate of the value of your losses.
Who Is Responsible for an Injury in a Premises Liability Case?
Premises liability claims can be challenging. It takes strong evidence to build a compelling premises liability case that establishes liability for an accident on someone else’s property. Generally, there are three elements you must establish to recover compensation for your financial losses.
- A Dangerous Condition Existed
First, you must prove that a dangerous condition existed on someone else’s property. Property owners have a duty of care to those who enter their property, meaning they are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for guests. Photographs or videos of the scene and witness statements can prove that the hazardous condition was present during the accident. You may also need to show that you were a visitor, licensee, or invitee with express or implied permission to be on the property. Trespassers may not have the same legal protections as other classes of visitors. - The Property Owner Was Aware of Dangerous Conditions
Next, the burden is on you to prove that the property owner knew about the dangerous conditions on their property and failed to take adequate measures to address the problem. Proving this element can be one of the most challenging things to demonstrate in a premises liability claim. However, our liability attorneys can conduct a complete investigation into the cause of the accident. This will help unravel how the accident occurred while our liability attorneys locate evidence supporting your case. - You Were Injured Because of the Property Owner’s Negligence
Finally, you must prove that you were injured because of the property owner’s carelessness, and that those premises liability injuries caused your financial losses. Medical bills, repair receipts, pay stubs, and other documents can help demonstrate the value of your financial losses due to an injury.
Bear in mind that there may be more than one party liable for the circumstances of the premises liability accident. A skilled attorney can determine who may be partially or wholly liable for compensating you following an accident. Liability could fall onto one or more of the following:
- The property owner
- The landlord
- The property management company
- The tenant
- The owner of a dog or dangerous animal
Premises liability cases are seldom black and white. Holding a careless property owner or their insurer accountable can require aggressive legal intervention. Before you sign a settlement agreement or agree to accept money from anyone, discuss your situation with a seasoned Houston premises liability attorney.
